PHYSICS

Year 9 Course Outline

Pupils explore key ideas providing the foundation for the GCSE AQA Physics course. Important, fundamental topics are covered through a very practical approach. These include Electromagnetism, Wave Physics, Optical Systems, the Electromagnetic Spectrum and Energy resources.

Year 10 and 11 Course Outline

Pupils are offered the route through GCSE that we feel will provide them with the most suitable understanding of Physics for their future. All pupils cover similar topics, but may pursue different courses, as explained below. Topics covered will include most of the following:

Year 10: Forces and motion, Static electricity, Electrical circuits and components, Electrical power and safety, Energy transfers, Materials, Thermal Physics.

Year 11: Waves and the electromagnetic spectrum, the particle theory of gases and liquids, Optical physics, EM induction and its applications, Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics, Sound and Space.

Skills Required and Developed

It is expected that pupils will:

• Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the key ideas in Physics, which underpin modern technology and ask the Big Questions about Life, the Universe and Everything!

• Develop critical skills in data analysis, evaluating evidence and understanding scientific methods

• Develop an informed and balanced approach to weighing up the risks and benefits of scientific advances

• Develop confidence in practical skills and the discipline to thoroughly analyse and draw conclusions from the results

• Develop confidence and fluency in communication, teamwork, mathematical skills and the application of ICT in scientific contexts

• Above all, apply themselves to solving unfamiliar problems using the knowledge and practical skills they have acquired

External Assessment

At PGS about 80% of pupils are entered for each of the three sciences separately for AQA GCSE. The remainder of the cohort is entered for a qualification called Combined Science GCSE. Although the pupils take examinations in each of the three sciences separately, the results in these examinations are combined to give a total score that is converted to a double grade. Typically, pupils in the Upper and Middle band sets take separate science qualifications, but the final decision for individual pupils is made based on performance during Year 10 and the Year 10 summer examination. The separate science qualifications at PGS provide an additional level of challenge that many of our pupils find stimulating and can help pupils demonstrate high academic ability in Science. However, we are sensitive to pupil attainment and the reduced content of the Combined Science course means that there is a greater chance for success as there is more time to focus on the challenging concepts. Pupils following the Combined Science route can also devote greater focus to their attainment in other subjects. Furthermore, the summation process can be useful in helping gain a better overall grade than would be obtained separately. The Combined Science examination does not disadvantage in terms of the opportunity to take any form of science education further at A Level.

Beyond the Classroom

Year 9 are involved in the Lockheed Martin Engineering Challenge and trips and lectures are organised as appropriate for all years. The Physics department has strong links with local industries such as BAE, organisations such as Portsmouth & District Physical Society and universities, both locally and nationally.

Further Information

Mrs M Fake, Head of Physics, Tel 023 9236 0036, Email m.fake@pgs.org.uk

Exam Board Website http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/science/gcse/physics-8463